⚠️ Update (October 2025): The September 30, 2025 deadline for physical submission of UPS requests has now passed. Government employees who faced technical difficulties and could not submit before this date should contact their PAO/Nodal Office or check PFRDA’s latest circulars for any subsequent extensions. The guidelines in this article explain the physical submission process that was applicable during the extension period.
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has issued an important circular dated September 16, 2025, providing relief to government employees facing technical difficulties in submitting their Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) requests online. This crucial update ensures no employee misses the September 30, 2025 deadline.
Official Government Text:
PENSION FUND REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Circular
September 16, 2025
Circular No: PFRDA/2025/10/SUP-CG-SG/03
To,
All the stakeholders of NPS and UPS
Subject: Physical submission of UPS requests to nodal offices till 30.09.2025 – reg.
Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) has been notified by Central Government vide notification F. No. FX-1/3/2024-PR, dated 24.01.2025 issued by Dept. of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance. PFRDA (Operationalization of the Unified Pension Scheme under NPS) Regulations, 2025 has also been notified on 19.03.2025. Further, Central Civil Services (Implementation of Unified Pension Scheme under National Pension System) Rules, 2025 have been notified by DoPPW on 02.09.2025.
- As the due date for exercising the option for UPS is approaching, i.e., 30th September, 2025, it is hereby brought to the notice of all subscribers that, if due to any reason including unavailability of online system or any technical glitch in the CRA system due to which the subscriber is unable to submit the UPS request online through CRA system by 30th September 2025, the subscriber can submit the duly filled physical form to the concerned nodal office on or before the due date for further processing by the nodal office. The physical forms of UPS are available at https://www.npscra.nsdl.co.in/ups.php
- This circular is issued in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 14 of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 2013 and shall be effective immediately.
(Vikas Kumar Singh)
Chief General Manager
Key Summary Points:
- Relief for Technical Issues: Employees facing online submission problems can now use physical forms
- Deadline Remains Same: September 30, 2025 is still the final date for UPS option exercise
- Where to Get Forms: Physical UPS forms available at https://www.npscra.nsdl.co.in/ups.php
- Submission Process: Submit duly filled forms to concerned nodal office before deadline
- Legal Authority: Issued under Section 14 of PFRDA Act, 2013
Impact for Government Employees:
This circular provides crucial relief for employees who may face technical difficulties with the online CRA system. It ensures that no eligible government employee loses the opportunity to opt for UPS due to system glitches or connectivity issues. The physical submission option acts as a backup mechanism to guarantee universal access to this important pension choice.
For more information on 8th Pay Commission pension updates and Unified Pension Scheme benefits, stay connected with our comprehensive coverage of government employee welfare policies.
Reference: PFRDA Circular No: PFRDA/2025/10/SUP-CG-SG/03 dated September 16, 2025
Complete Guide: UPS Physical Submission — What You Need to Know
The PFRDA circular dated September 16, 2025 is a lifeline for government employees who were unable to submit their UPS option request online before the September 30, 2025 deadline due to technical failures in the CRA (Central Recordkeeping Agency) system. This circular specifically acknowledges that system outages and connectivity issues are a real barrier and provides a legally valid physical submission alternative.
Background: What is the CRA System and Why Did It Fail?
The CRA (Central Recordkeeping Agency) system is the digital backbone for managing NPS/UPS subscriber data. In September 2025, as lakhs of employees tried to simultaneously access the portal to submit their UPS option choice, the system experienced significant technical overload. PFRDA, recognizing this systemic failure, issued this circular to ensure no employee was penalized for a government IT system failure.
Step-by-Step: How to Submit UPS Option Physically
If you were unable to submit your UPS option online due to technical issues with the CRA portal, here is what you need to do:
Step 1: Visit the PFRDA/NSDL website at www.npscra.nsdl.co.in/ups.php and download the physical UPS option form.
Step 2: Fill in the form completely with your personal details, employee ID, NPS PRAN (if already generated), and your pension option choice.
Step 3: Sign the form and attach a self-attested copy of your employee ID card or appointment letter.
Step 4: Submit the duly filled physical form to your concerned nodal office (the HR/Accounts section of your department that handles NPS matters) on or before September 30, 2025.
Step 5: Obtain an acknowledgement receipt from your nodal office. Keep this as proof of timely submission.
Step 6: Your nodal office will then process the physical form and submit it through the online CRA system on your behalf once technical issues are resolved.
Important Note: The PFRDA has clarified that this physical submission will be treated as equivalent to online submission for the purpose of the September 30, 2025 deadline. Employees should not be penalized for system-side technical failures.
FAQs: UPS Physical Submission — September 2025
Q1: What should I do if my nodal office refuses to accept my physical UPS form?
You should escalate the matter in writing to your Head of Department and also write to PFRDA’s subscriber helpline (1800-110-708). This circular legally obligates your nodal office to accept physical submissions when CRA portal is unavailable.
Q2: Will my UPS option be valid if submitted physically instead of online?
Yes. PFRDA has explicitly confirmed through this circular that physical submission to the nodal office is legally equivalent to online submission for the September 30, 2025 deadline.
Q3: What is the deadline to choose between UPS and NPS?
September 30, 2025 is the final deadline for all existing central government employees to exercise their choice between UPS and NPS. After this date, those who have not opted for UPS will be deemed to have chosen NPS by default.
Q4: What is the difference between UPS and NPS?
UPS (Unified Pension Scheme) offers a guaranteed pension of 50% of average basic pay for employees with 25+ years of service, with proportional benefits for 10-25 years of service. NPS is a market-linked contributory scheme where returns depend on investment performance. UPS provides certainty; NPS provides potential for higher returns but with risk.
Q5: Can I reverse my UPS choice after September 30, 2025?
No. The UPS option is a one-time, one-way choice. Once you opt for UPS, you cannot switch back to NPS. Similarly, if you stay in NPS (by not choosing UPS), you cannot switch to UPS after the deadline.